9 Trending Accessories For Spring 2016

The Long, Lightweight Scarf

A lightweight scarf is always an essential piece during the transitional months, but this season, size matters. As seen in both Burberry Prorsum and Missoni’s menswear collections, an oversized scarf in a bright palette and breathable fabric is a key piece for welcoming warmer weather.

Pair a patterned version with a plain trench in a neutral hue that picks out one of your scarf’s base tones, to tie the look together.

The Printed Tie

Perfect for injecting life into any tailored look, a printed tie makes your look sun-ready without you needing to go all Man From Del Monté. Just switch in silk or cotton for the textured ties you’ve been wearing since October, to mark the shift out of winter.

However, don’t overdose on colour – until it’s sunny, more often than not, washed out shades beat brights.

The Bandana Neckerchief

Another trend straight off SS16’s runways, bandana neckerchiefs showed up across several collections. It’s a delicate line between Gallic insouciance and Dexy’s Midnight Runners, though, so add to a luxe souvenir jacket (à la Louis Vuitton) or neutral separates (à la Margaret Howell) rather than dungarees.

The longer and looser the ‘kerchief, the more relaxed your look – think scout, not choker. As with your other neckwear, it’s an easy way to add colour to winter’s neutrals, when you’re not quite ready to retire all-black everything else.

The Umbrella

Britain’s charming combination of wind and rain means pocket-friendly umbrellas aren’t pals with your wardrobe. To avoid ruining what it should protect, you need a stiff shaft (easy now) and aluminium ribs, so it’s strong enough to resist gusts of wind but isn’t like carrying a dumbbell all day.

If you only buy one – and unless you’re a Victorian gent, then fair enough – black pairs with everything.

The Fragrance

The mercury finally liquefying again means it’s time to shelve winter’s heavy scents for something with a spring in its step.

To celebrate its 145th birthday, British perfumer Penhaligon’s has come over all floral for No 33 Eau de Cologne, blending lavender notes with orange, grapefruit and bergamot. So you can at least smell summery, even if the days stay grey.

The Sunglasses

It might not be time for sleeves to come off, but sunglasses still need to come on. If only because squinting into low sun is bad news for your crow’s feet.

This season, round sunglasses are trending. But the shape is unkind unless you’ve got cheekbones that could cut diamonds. Ray-Ban’s new Clubround is mostly circular, but with just enough taper to stop your face taking on the same proportion as Wilson the beach ball.

The Baseball Cap

Tip your hat to one of spring 2016’s street-inspired trends. Oversized, New Era-style fitted caps are out – this season is all about five- and seven-panels, bent brims and textures like fleece or mesh.

If you’re a streetwear fan, then try to snaffle up a Supreme or Palace logo cap. If your style’s more tailored then go dark and unmarked, as seen at Calvin Klein, or neutral like Balmain. Although still don’t expect your boss to let you wear it in the office.

The Slip-On Shoes

This season, laces didn’t get an invite to the party. Perhaps it’s a nod to their own jet-setting lives, but designers have embraced the airport security favourite in a big way, from leopard print slippers at Moschino (where else?) to Axel Arigato’s new Clean 90 Laceless, which looks like something you’d wear in a 24th century asylum.

Although, you could just get back at it again with the white vans. Damn.